Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is home to many museums that showcase the country’s rich history and culture. One of the unique museums in Madrid is the Railway Museum, which is located in the Delicias district of the city. The museum is a fascinating place that showcases the history of the Spanish railways. There were several groups of schoolchildren around during our visit but they were very well behaved and we heard several references to Harry Potter so it seems that a bit of British cinematic magic has created an interest in the railways!
The Railway Museum in Madrid is housed in a restored train station building, which was built in the early 20th century. The building itself is an impressive example of Spanish architecture, with its grand entrance and elegant façade. The museum’s collection consists of more than 50 historic trains and locomotives, which are displayed in the large exhibition halls.
One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of steam locomotives, which includes some of the oldest and best preserved examples in the world. You can see the evolution of the steam engine from its early days to the modern era. The museum also has a collection of electric and diesel locomotives, which were used on Spain’s railways during the 20th century.
The exhibition halls are full of displays, models, and photographs that showcase the development of rail transport in Spain. A little more interactivity would have been nice but that didn’t detract from our enjoyment. You can learn about the history of the railways, the construction of the tracks, the different types of trains, and the impact of railways on society and the economy. The museum also has a collection of antique railway uniforms, signalling devices, and other railway artefacts.
There is also a model railway display which depicts a fictional Spanish town in the early 20th century. The model is built to scale and includes many detailed features such as buildings, people, and vehicles. There’s even an airport! Visitors can watch the model trains run through the town, and it’s a fascinating experience for both kids and adults.
We also enjoyed the section detailing how the Delicias station has stood in for various international locations. The photos of the Moskva departure hall in Doctor Zhivago were particularly impressive!
The Railway Museum in Madrid is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history of rail transport. It offers a unique insight into the development of the railways in Spain and is an excellent place to spend a few hours exploring the exhibits. So, if you’re in Madrid, don’t miss the chance to visit this fascinating museum.
